Asist Management Team
Ruth Plant – Chief Executive Officer, Asist
As Chief Executive Officer at Asist, I am responsible for the strategic development and implementation of policies that ensure the organisation meets its contractual obligations and consistently delivers high-quality advocacy services across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
With a long-standing career in the voluntary sector, I bring extensive experience, particularly within various mental health settings. I have developed a deep understanding of the local landscape and the financial challenges faced by both statutory and voluntary services.
I am passionate about championing the voice of people who use advocacy services. Through my work with the Voluntary Sector Chief Officers Group, I am committed to fostering strong partnerships and collaborative relationships that strengthen advocacy and support across our communities.
Mark Adams – IT & Finance Manager
My journey with Asist began over twenty years ago, when I joined a small but passionate charity with limited funds, dial-up internet, and mobile phones that felt more like breeze blocks than tech tools. Coming from a commercial background — with a business and finance education, Microsoft-approved training, and strong networking skills — I brought a unique perspective that helped the charity grow and adapt.
Over the years, I’ve been responsible for safeguarding Asist’s financial health. This includes managing cash flow, budgeting and forecasting, preparing financial reports for our Trustees, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
On the IT side, we’ve come a long way. Gone are the dial-up days — we now work with broadband, smartphones, and a fully cloud-based infrastructure. It’s been a privilege to help drive that transformation.
Candice Grigg – HR & Head Office Administrator
I graduated from Staffordshire University with a 2:1 BSc (Hons) in Computing and Psychology. In addition, I am a Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) in Word, PTLLS-trained (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector), and hold a Level 3 PA Diploma, which I completed in 2023.
I have worked at Asist for over 10 years and thrive on being part of a voluntary sector organisation that makes a real difference in people’s lives.
Outside of work, I enjoy keeping fit, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Becky Banks – Staffordshire Service Manager
I began my journey with Asist in 2006, volunteering after taking maternity leave from my previous role teaching in special education needs and mental health. I was looking for a new challenge, and when weighing my options between football and advocacy, advocacy won—and I’ve never looked back.
After two years of volunteering, I joined Asist as a paid team member and began building my career in advocacy. I quickly found a deep passion for mental health advocacy, going on to complete training in British Sign Language and counselling skills. Eventually, I transitioned to a full-time role, and over the years, I’ve continued to grow both personally and professionally.
Today, I work as the Staffordshire Service Manager, following a rewarding period as a Team Leader. I love the variety of my work, which has expanded to include skills such as policy writing, database development, and tender writing, among many others. I’m constantly learning—no two days are ever the same.
Chloe Balasch – Staffordshire Team Leader
I began my journey with Asist in April 2022 as the Staffordshire Administrator, where my responsibilities included processing and managing incoming referrals, handling calls, and responding to enquiries promptly and professionally. While I enjoyed this role, I was eager to take on more responsibility. When the opportunity arose, I successfully applied for the position of Team Leader.
I take pride in encouraging and motivating my peers, always striving to create a supportive and positive environment for my team. I’m highly motivated, always willing to step outside my comfort zone, and committed to putting 100% effort into everything I do. I enjoy learning new skills and embrace challenges with a positive attitude. I consider myself a good listener, a reliable team player, and someone with strong organisational abilities.
My personal experience as a young carer for my mother, who lived with multiple illnesses, first introduced me to the world of social care. The support I received from my own social worker was pivotal and inspired me to pursue a career where I could help others in the same way.
Neil Messenger – Stoke Service Manager
I have worked in social care for over 30 years, in both paid and voluntary roles, across a wide range of services. During this time, I have supported individuals with varying and often complex needs, while working alongside professionals from across the health and social care sectors. These diverse experiences have provided me with valuable training, networking opportunities, and a deep understanding of person-centred practice. They have also helped me to continually develop my skills, knowledge, and confidence in delivering effective support.
In my current role, I work closely with our Team Leader to support the team. I provide guidance and help address any issues that may arise in their work. I also oversee compliance with our contract, which involves data analysis, report writing, and regular meetings with commissioners to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Additionally, I am involved in raising awareness of advocacy through engagement with health and social care teams, voluntary sector organisations, and community groups.
The advocacy sector has evolved significantly since I originally left Asist as an Advocate and later returned as Service Manager. It has been both exciting and rewarding to be part of Asist’s growth and development over the past two years, and I look forward to being part of what comes next.
Kate Morley – Stoke Team Leader
I successfully applied for the position of Multiskilled Advocate in the Stafford team and immediately fell in love with advocacy and everything Asist stands for. Since then, I’ve progressed into the role of Team Leader at the Stoke office, where I have the privilege of supporting a passionate and dedicated team of Advocates. Together, we work to provide high-quality information, advice, and support to the people who need us most.
My background is in higher education and special educational needs, primarily supporting children and young people with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs and disabilities. This experience has given me a strong foundation of knowledge and a range of transferable skills that I bring into my advocacy work every day.
I’ve also worked as a Youth Development Leader and Job Coach, mentoring young adults from a variety of backgrounds. These roles helped me develop key skills in empowerment, communication, and person-centred support—skills that continue to be invaluable in my role as Team Leader.
I see myself as a compassionate, resilient, and committed member of the Asist team. I truly believe in the importance of advocacy in ensuring that people are heard, understood, and empowered to make informed choices about their lives. I’m proud to be part of a service that stands up for people’s rights and supports them to have a voice.
Jenna Eardley-Griffiths - Volunteer Co-ordinator
I specialise in recruiting, training, and supporting Independent Visitors and Relevant Person’s Representatives, ensuring volunteers are equipped and empowered to make a lasting, meaningful impact. With a background in Psychology and Criminology (BSc, Keele University, 2022), I am passionate about championing the rights of vulnerable individuals and helping volunteers use their skills to advocate effectively within the community. My work is driven by a strong belief in the power of community-based support and the importance of consistent, compassionate advocacy.